As I’ve said before, every book in a series is a balancing act between giving readers something new, and giving them what they already love. We’ve all read series that over time seemed unable to do the former and settled for repeating the latter. It’s common to say, “That series should’ve ended back at <insert series book title of your choice>,” which is the point that, in retrospect, it’s obvious the author fell back on that repetition. By the time they peter out, only the hardcore fans remain.
There’s also the unfortunate case of authors who pass away before concluding a series. Robert Jordan is probably the best known example in fantasy, leaving the final book in his Wheel of Time series unfinished at the time of his death (Brandon Sanderson completed it). Recently Sue Grafton, author of the popular Kinsey Millhouse “alphabet” series, died with Y is for Yesterday done, but not the final “Z” volume. In her case, there will be no Z; as her family said, “as far as we are concerned, the alphabet now ends at Y.”
So it’s the lucky writer who gets to bring his series to some kind of conclusion that lets him tie up the threads he’s been weaving since the first book. And hopefully, that means the reader is lucky, too.
All this is by way of saying that The Fairies of Sadieville will be the final Tufa novel.
Please don’t be sad about this, because it means I’m one of those lucky writers. It’s not that I don’t have more ideas; rather, the ideas I have don’t go anywhere new. If I did continue, there’s the danger I might start repeating myself out of desperation, or laziness, or both. What I’ve tried to make compelling and unique might degenerate into soap opera. What I’d hoped was magical and delicate might become trite and obvious. So I’ve decided to end it now with a story that fills in a lot of the blanks I’ve hinted at in the prior books, and in the process wraps up the various subplots running throughout the series.
When Sadieville comes out in April (pre-order from all the usual suspects here), I hope the readers who have followed the Tufa since The Hum and the Shiver in 2011 feel like it’s an appropriate finale. After all, you’re the ones who got me this far.
And for all those who don’t start a series until the last book is out . . . now’s the time to jump right in! There’s a special deal on the series so far, including the short stories, right here.
16 Comments on “An announcement about The Fairies of Sadieville”
This saddens me, but I understand you wrapping up the series ‘in your own time’. I look forward to this book as well as reading the series again from beginning to end.
I look forward to seeing where your music takes you (and us) next. Thank you for such a beautiful story.
The Tufa will be missed, luckily we can return to visit them time and time again. Looking forward to the next world to which you introduce us. Thank you so much for sharing this one.
The series may be finished; however, the Tufa will remain…for those who believe. Onward to the next adventure!!
Alex,
The tufa are dear to my heart since my music loving folks hail from Appalachia and I have always felt that was home to me too. That being said, I will miss the Tufa, but look forward to what your next writing adventure brings us Lucky readers. Sending you tons of Lizard love and juju from the Lou!
Lizzie Lou and the fae
I have been a faihful reader of the Tufa series. Loved every minute of them. Sad this will be the last one. But I do understand why. I live in East Tennessee and love the area. Thank you writing them.
Kudos to you for doing it on your terms and at your time. I will treasure this last book even more.
Thank you for letting us know, and while I’m sad there won’t be more Tufa stories, I’m happy that you were able to make that determination. I look forward to your new projects (maybe another Eddie?), and hope that perhaps the Tufa will visit you again with new story ideas!
Endings are always bittersweet, bit six books is nothing to sneeze at. Each one was a joy to read, and it is better to go out before you jump the shark. I will miss the Tufa, though.
Well done, Alex.
I hope you are planning a new series with a similar, magical, feel!
A little sad as I have come to think of them as a comfy friend I am eager to see, but understand the reasoning AND as a writer I know it frees you to do some more amazing things and explore other worlds. I am eager to meet new friends, too. 🙂
Alex,
I am conflicted. In the past, I have always been relieved when I have completed a series but at the same time have missed a sequel not to look forward to. I truly hope that this is your decision to end the series and that no outside influence was applied. I guess now I will just wait for the movies based on the books!
Seamus
Of course knowing this makes me sad! However, your writing is elegant and your plot lines and stories so compelling, I look forward to seeing what you produce next. Is it possible that we will see more Eddie LaCrosse stories? We’ve been friends for many years, and I know whatever comes next will be worth the effort of taking the time to not only read, but to savor. Now, if this post was telling us you were retiring from writing–That my friend, would be an entirely different matter!
Aww, man! I get it, I really do — and it’s a smart decision, I’m sure. But, this hurts to read. Thankfully, we still have The Fairies of Sadieville to look forward to/console us.
Hey,
It’s been a great ride, a series of lovely tells. I’m grateful and look forward to the next world you want to explore.
Any sorrow must be balanced (and in this case overwhelmed) by the joys the Tufa world and all your work have provided us.
Thank you, Sir.
Thank you Alex for a wonderful ride 🙂 I totally understand and look forward to reading this last book and the many years to come enjoying rereading your work!
Huh?! I feel like the series is just getting rolling! There’s so much about the Tufa still unexplored…very sorry to learn this news.